Page "Synderesis" Paragraph 5

Synderesis is the capacity not only to apprehend the first principles, but also to judge every step of the practical discourse in the light of those principles.

But, as an intellectual disposition concerned with knowledge of the first principles of action, synderesis provides only the universal premise of the practical syllogism.

Every human action, however, is singular, contingent and takes place in particular circumstances.

To complete the practical discourse and reach a conclusion regarding what has to be done hic et nunc and now and what means are to be used, other capacities are necessary besides synderesis, and to actually effect the action other faculties are required besides reason.

That is why the whole picture concerning human action includes powers, dispositions and acts such as conscience, desire, will, etc., each one of which requires an independent article in this encyclopedia.